benefits

Replenishes skin and maintains moisture levels.

Helps nourish and condition.

Rinses off easily.

how to use

Following the application of PreCleanse, apply to dampened face and throat, massaging with light, upward strokes. Concentrate on any areas of excessive dryness and impurities. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Multi-Active Toner or Soothing Protection Spray and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.

quick tip

Never use hot water when cleansing: this strips the skin of the natural oils critical to maintainin hydration levels.

Dermalogica is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are complete, up-to-date and/or error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

how it works

All Dermalogica products are made in the USA and are free of artificial fragrances, artificial colors, drying S.D. alcohol, and ingredients like Mineral Oil – all of which are known to exacerbate common skin concerns.
With cutting-edge formulas and powerful ingredients, you can be assured you’re giving your skin what it needs to be healthy, and stay healthy, for a lifetime.
Maximize your product results! Use Dermalogica products as prescribed by your Face Mapping® skin analysis, available only from a Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist.

I was using an apricot scrub until my Esthetician told me how bad that was. I switched to this cleanser and was skeptical at first. Surprisingly this cleanser is gentle and keeps my face breakout free. When I feel like I need a deeper clean I pair it with the Skin Prep Scrub and it gives me the feel of the apricot scrub without the harsh effects.

I have terribly dry skin - tight, itchy, flaky, you name it. I finally gave in to the fact if I wanted skin that looks and feels healthy, I needed to change what I was using. After reading many reviews, and testing products, I felt Dermalogica was the best fit for me. It took time for my skin to get used to it, so don't give up if you feel like your skin is worsening or not getting better. Give it a couple weeks before you decide.

For several years I have used the Special Cleansing Gel - I still prefer that for the evening - "take off the makeup" cleanse. However, I've started to feel like as I get older my skin is getting a bit dryer. I started using the Essential Cleansing Solution after my morning run and love the way my skin feels. It is a creamy and gentle cleanser. My skin feels smooth, refreshed and hydrated after use. I follow up with the Age Smart Antioxidant Hydromist, the Phyto Replenish Oil and then then Skin Smoothing Cream. I am very happy with the results.

This is the best cleanser I've ever used. I have very dry skin that can also be sensitive/red, and this cleanser is so soothing and leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated. It is creamy and feels amazing on my face, and the subtle scent is wonderful. Because I tend to wear makeup everyday, I generally use the double cleansing method with the dermalogica precleanse, and my skin is squeaky clean afterward. I will say, my skin gets slightly dry when using the precleanse, but it's worth it to know all the grime is off my face. However, when I wash only with the essential cleansing solution, my skin never feels dry or tight after. When I went thru my first bottle of this stuff, I bought a cheaper face wash at the grocery store to try and save money, but I miss this cleanser every day and feel it is worth the extra money! I will buy it again as soon as I run out of the mediocre cleanser I'm using right now, because now I've been spoiled!

I use this in the morning and a heavier duty cleanser in the evening. This is nice for when I need to clean my face, but I need something more gentle. Works well in conjunction with other cleansers, but for my oily skin it wouldn't serve well as my only cleanser.

This is my go to cleanser for daily and evening cleansing. It cleans my skin without over-drying and my skin feels so soft and clean after use. I add in Dermal Cleanser once or twice a week. My skin is in the best condition of my life. It feels so wonderful when people think I am 10 years younger than I am!

This cleanser is gentle and creamy. It does not dry up my face after cleansing. It's so gentle that sometimes I doubt if my face is clean. So on certain days, I will double cleanse with Special Cleansing Gel.

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Neither cleanser will dry out the skin. If you are not oily, please use Essential Cleansing Solution. If you are combination, you can use Special Cleansing Gel.

Kind Regards,The Dermalogica Team

Answered on 9/30/2016 by Bernadette from Los Angeles

A:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in Dermalogica. Essential Cleansing Solution can be used twice daily and is for mature or dry skin. Special Cleansing Gel can also be used twice daily and is for all skin types.

Kind Regards,

Bernadette

Answered on 9/8/2016 by DermalogicaSkinTherapist from Los Angeles

Q:

Is this product gluten free?: I have a gluten allergy and was wondering if the essential cleansing solution is gluten free? Also, I would like to know what other products of yours are gluten free. I love your products but I have a severe reaction to wheat and gluten.

Thank you for your question and interest in Dermalogica. Please find below a list including all the retail products that contain grain derivatives. After completing Gluten Analysis testing on all of our wheat containing products the conclusion is that only one is suggested to be avoided by a gluten intolerant or Celiac. This is Extra Firming Booster.

I had a dermalogica facial on the same day as face mapping, 2 days later my skin was sloughing so I went back the salon and I was given thermofoliant to use for next week every other day. Worked really well and calmed skin.

4 weeks into using products:-

Raised bumps on chin/ hard tender nodules- never had before

Dryness/flaky inbetween eyebrows, nose and above lip and chin-

Is this normal 4 weeks after starting dermalogica?

Do I need a different cleanser as my skin feels a little tight immediately after using special cleansing gel?

Thank you for your question. Do you have any known allergies? What type of treatment did you receive? It is possible for the skin to detox while using Dermalogica products. Additionally, please use only the size of a pea when using Special Cleansing Gel, with lots of water. As it is highly concentrated.

Kind Regards,The Dermalogica Team

Answered on 3/1/2016 by DermalogicaSkinTherapist from Los Angeles

Q:

Would you recommend this cleanser to a teenager with a bit of dry skin?: If not, which product is best for her?

I am an adult with oily skin and love the Essential Cleansing Solution! I would get a skin analysis and see WHY her skin is dry. Does it need a moisturizer? Is she over-cleansing? Is the product she is using now too harsh? Dermalogica also makes a line of products that are designed for teens! I would check those out, as well as look into a moisturizer to address her specific needs!

Answered on 7/13/2015 by MalloryAvis from Jerome, mi

A:

No, probably not. I think this particular cleanser might be too rich for teenage skin which could also be prone to breakouts.